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Road trips are safer and more enjoyable in my Macan because of wireless CarPlay. Given I take frequent road trips in the TTS, I have been looking for a comparable solution for the 997.2/PCM 3.0. Came across this thread about a "Mr12Volt" solution in the Macan forum and it seemed to be exactly what I was looking for:
Uses MOST25 instead of AUX audio. No sound degradation. Compatible with BOSE and Burmeister options
DSP EQ. Turns "awful sounding BOSE" into "better sounding BOSE"
Retains PCM functionality, including steering wheel controls
Rear, Front, and Side cameras
Pair once and forget
Provided external mic for Siri, text, etc.
What's involved:
Removal of PCM, installing a video card and two ribbon cables into the PCM, reinstalling the PCM, selecting "TV" in the "Source" screen, and pairing my phone. It took about 2 hours start to finish, and most of that was spent tucking the cables into the small space behind the PCM/dash. The result is better than I could have hoped. Besides access to CarPlay, Mirroring, Cameras, etc. ALL PCM FUNCTIONS ARE RETAINED, including steering wheel controls. Utilizes MOST25, so there is no degradation to existing sound quality.
Components
Aside from the video card (circled), everything else goes behind the PCM/dash. You can see why that part is tricky. Build quality is excellent and all the connectors are OEM.
Internals
The is the inside of the PCM. Video card to the left. 4 screws to open the PCM plus three more for the video card. Two new clip-in ribbon cables and done. Took about 15 minutes.
Mr12Volt has a video, but there are several to be found on YouTube. If you're thinking of doing this mod, I suggest watching a few of those first. Search "Mr12Volt CarPlay Porsche PCM 3.0"
Once the PCM is connected, this is the initial splash screen. The Rennlist Macan thread referenced above includes the procedure to change this to the image of your choice.
To start CarPlay (or Android Auto), simply select "TV" from the PCM Source screen. TV appears automatically once you reinstall the PCM.
Mr12Volt Home screen. Appears after selecting "TV". Can also be selected from within CarPlay by tapping "Mr12Volt" app. Options scroll using touch or rotary ****.
Scrolling to "Settings" in the Mr12Volt menu brings up this screen...
"Car" settings offers the options for Front, Rear, and Side cameras, plus triggers, orientation and timing. OEM cameras are supported.
Video settings on this screen...
My favorite setting: 15-Band DSP EQ. Given Mr12Volt retains MOST25 signal path, there is no degradation to the existing sound system and this allows for fine-tuning. A lot of fun to play with!
Supports multiple languages
All in all, I found this to be a great solution to add wireless CarPlay to my 997.2. I wholeheartedly recommend this for Daily Drivers and those who take frequent road trips.
Probably not worthwhile if you have a pristine, low-mileage example or limit your occasional outings to CarsandCoffee or the occasional group drive. Unless, of course, you want to say you have CarPlay. You CAN revert to stock, but as with any R & R, there is the inherent risk of damage to interior, harness, PCM unit, etc.
Very VERY happy with the results...
DISCLAIMERS:
I have NO affiliation with Mr12Volt.
I paid full price.
I am not responsible for any damage you may incur should you attempt this on your vehicle.
This post is "How I added CarPlay to my 997.2 TTS"; This has NOT been "How To Add CarPlay"
are there any posts or videos on step by step visuals of the entire process - ie, removing console pieces, removing the console itself, opening up console, attaching all components, reinstalling all back into place, etc.?
also, any similar users install reverse cam...and have photos/videos showing that install as well?
are there any posts or videos on step by step visuals of the entire process - ie, removing console pieces, removing the console itself, opening up console, attaching all components, reinstalling all back into place, etc.?
also, any similar users install reverse cam...and have photos/videos showing that install as well?
There are plenty of videos and step-by-step on rennlist and YouTube.
Search rennlist for "Center console removal" and "PCM removal" will help there. PCM removal is very straightforward. Two trim pieces on either side of the stack, 3 torx screws per side. Be sure the procedure is for a 997.2, as the PCM is secured by two cam locks on either side of the PCM (accessible once trim pieces are removed), while 997.1 and other Pcars, etc. use four torx screws on the front.
Installing the video card is probably the simplest part. Just take your time. Plenty of videos on YouTube; "Mr12Volt Porsche PCM 3.0". Procedure for PCM 3.1 is identical. The differences are due to the car (see torx vs cam locks above), but PCM surgery is the same.
Hardest part of reinstallation is getting fiber optic splitter, Mr12Volt box, harness adapter, etc. into the dash behind the PCM. A lot of stuff in a small space. I'll probably take it to my favorite audio shop to have them clean up my "get it done" approach. There's some space above the driver side lower dash, just below the steering wheel, so I'll probably have them go that route. Not much room behind the glove box/passenger side.
Youtube for camera install. Connecting the camera is straightforward, but I had my audio shop run the cable through the right rear bulkhead (I think they used a grommet located behind the right tail light). I spent two days in the back of the car when I did a deviating carpet swap 4 years ago. That was painful and I was 4 years younger. No way I was crawling around back there again.
In hindsight, I could have done everything up to the PCM reinstallation myself (you can connect and confirm functionality without tucking the PCM unit all the way in), and have the audio guys button it up.
Good luck! IMHO, it's worth the ~$500 for the unit plus installation effort/cost. You gain a LOT of additional functionality without sacrificing any OEM functions.
BTW, the distributor is in Hatboro PA and they can install while you wait. Might be worth the couple of hours it would take you to get there, and then enjoy it on the drive home.
There are plenty of videos and step-by-step on rennlist and YouTube.
Search rennlist for "Center console removal" and "PCM removal" will help there. PCM removal is very straightforward. Two trim pieces on either side of the stack, 3 torx screws per side. Be sure the procedure is for a 997.2, as the PCM is secured by two cam locks on either side of the PCM (accessible once trim pieces are removed), while 997.1 and other Pcars, etc. use four torx screws on the front.
Installing the video card is probably the simplest part. Just take your time. Plenty of videos on YouTube; "Mr12Volt Porsche PCM 3.0". Procedure for PCM 3.1 is identical. The differences are due to the car (see torx vs cam locks above), but PCM surgery is the same.
Hardest part of reinstallation is getting fiber optic splitter, Mr12Volt box, harness adapter, etc. into the dash behind the PCM. A lot of stuff in a small space. I'll probably take it to my favorite audio shop to have them clean up my "get it done" approach. There's some space above the driver side lower dash, just below the steering wheel, so I'll probably have them go that route. Not much room behind the glove box/passenger side.
Youtube for camera install. Connecting the camera is straightforward, but I had my audio shop run the cable through the right rear bulkhead (I think they used a grommet located behind the right tail light). I spent two days in the back of the car when I did a deviating carpet swap 4 years ago. That was painful and I was 4 years younger. No way I was crawling around back there again.
In hindsight, I could have done everything up to the PCM reinstallation myself (you can connect and confirm functionality without tucking the PCM unit all the way in), and have the audio guys button it up.
Good luck! IMHO, it's worth the ~$500 for the unit plus installation effort/cost. You gain a LOT of additional functionality without sacrificing any OEM functions.
BTW, the distributor is in Hatboro PA and they can install while you wait. Might be worth the couple of hours it would take you to get there, and then enjoy it on the drive home.
wonderful feedback and advice.
agree that if driven daily or frequently every week, this immediate upgrade seems well worthwhile.
because mine is not, contemplating whether best to just wait out pccm releasing the .2 version.
hoping for the best.
I contemplated the same but I don't see how the PCCM update will be better than this unit. I have mine on order and for the price, can't beat it.
100% re: price... that's most certainly appealing.
hoping the oem version will have higher screen fidelity, larger screen and better reverse cam integration (eg synced guide lines with steering wheel).
Last edited by tonupbklyn; 01-13-2023 at 05:35 PM.
Is mr12volt the best carplay solution right now for the 997.2 2010, PCM 3.0?
yes, i believe it is the install of choice at this moment!
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Is there any way to go forwards and backwards on your playlist using the steering wheel controls while in carplay? I have the same unit, and it does not seem to work.
Is there any way to go forwards and backwards on your playlist using the steering wheel controls while in carplay? I have the same unit, and it does not seem to work.
On my 958.2 steering wheel no button controls scrolling through tracks. The right wheel still scrolls through the dash menu and the left wheel controls volume. I believe this is how it was prior to the Mr12Volt install.
01-13-2023 | 11:49 AM
Added wireless CarPlay and more: 997.2 w/PCM 3.0
